A unifying design perspective is presented for emulation-based (dynamic) event-triggered state-feedback control of nonlinear systems. The main component of this new approach is to interpret event-triggered controlled systems as the interconnection of hybrid dynamical systems and to analyze the overall system using a hybrid small gain theorem. Based on this new perspective, we unify several event-triggered schemes that were previously proposed in the literature under one umbrella. Moreover, the design approach offers great flexibility and can be used for the development of novel event-triggered schemes and systematic modification and improvement of existing triggering strategies. In this article, we illustrate via simulations that these novel and/or modified event-triggered controllers can lead to a further reduction in the required number of transmissions, while still guaranteeing stability.

Abstract Background Foreign Body (FB) injuries in children are a relevant public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The characterization of objects causing the injuries is an essential step for developing effective prevention strategies. Scanning the objects causing the injuries would help identify characteristics that make the objects dangerous for young children. The study aims to use 3D scanning within a large series of FB injuries collected in the Susy Safe database to develop a system able to identify the risk profile of everyday objects based on information collected through the scanning study. Methods The Susy Safe is the largest international registry collecting data on FB injuries in children under the age of fifteen. It collects almost 35,000 cases. For each case, information about the child, the object, and the circumstances of the injuries are collected. Furthermore, whenever possible (according to the object type and the approach used for FB removal) also the object is collected. Such objects are undergoing 3D scanning with structured light technology, a common non-contact scanning method allowing for 3D digitization of all dimensions and appearances. Results Currently, 383 objects have undergone 3D scanning. Most objects were made of a stiff material (60%). The scanning of the objects is still ongoing. The digitalized information for each object is collected in a REDCap repository together with all information about the FB injury and the picture of the object. Conclusions The final aim of the project is to develop a web-based application able to identify dangerous objects, based on shape and size parameters, according to the data collected through the scanning. Its objective is to make people aware of the risks posed by particular objects, especially parents and guardians of children. Furthermore, through the web-based application, parents will be able to report injuries and share images on FBs. Key messages • 3D scanning would be a promising opportunity to improve primary prevention of foreign body injuries. • Integrating data from 3D scanning and surveillance systems would represent the basis for the development of a web application able to assist families in identifying hazardous objects.

The study determined antimicrobial activity using the Disc-diffusion method and extracts of three plants: garlic (Allium sativumL.), turmeric (Curcuma longaL.), and parsley (Petroselinum crispumL.) on Escherichia coli, Salmonella ssp. and Listeria monocytogenes. These pathogens have attracted the attention of numerous agencies and researchers,because of the negative impact on food and human health -and because of the impact of disease development on the economy. These studies are necessary and represent potential natural antimicrobial drugs, and due to the resistance of bacteria to known antibiotics, there is a constant increase in global consumer demand for natural ingredients. The tested plant extracts showed excellent antibacterial activity in all three replicates on Escherichia coliwith an average inhibition zone of 21,86 mm and were characterized as ***S -sensitive for the mentioned bacterium. With an average zone of inhibition of 19,052 mm, Curcuma longashowed the strongest effect on the tested bacterium Salmonella enteritidis, which tells us that this bacteria is very sensitive to the extract of the mentioned plant. The study identified zones of inhibition of very low values (˃ 8 mm) in all three tested extracts: Allium sativumL., Curcuma longaL. Petroselinum crispumL., and Listeria monocytogenes.KEYWORDS:Antimicrobial activity, extract, Disc-diffusion method

We propose a novel strategy to construct optimal controllers for continuous-time nonlinear systems by means of linear-like techniques, provided that the optimal value function is differentiable and quadratic-like. This assumption covers a wide range of cases and holds locally around an equilibrium under mild assumptions. The proposed strategy does not require solving the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, i.e., a nonlinear partial differential equation, which is known to be hard or impossible to solve. Instead, the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation is replaced with an easy-solvable state-dependent Lyapunov matrix equation. We exploit a linear-like factorization of the underlying nonlinear system and a policy-iteration algorithm to yield a linear-like policy-iteration for nonlinear systems. The proposed control strategy solves optimal nonlinear control problems in an asymptotically exact, yet still linear-like manner. We prove optimality of the resulting solution and illustrate the results via four examples.

Abstract Congenital malformations are defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur in utero or at birth and can be detected at an early age. They are also known as birth defects, disabilities or congenital malformations. Congenital malformations are accompanied by hereditary or developmental disabilities or disease. From the establishment of the registry in early 2019 until the end of 2021, the total number of reported congenital malformations is 449. According to available data from EUROCAT (European network of population-based registries for the epidemiological surveillance of congenital anomalies), the average rate of congenital malformations in the countries of the European Union (EU) is 262/per 10,000 live births, while the registered rate of congenital malformations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is 261/per 10,000 live births. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the highest incidence rate was registered in Sarajevo Canton (175 cases with a rate of 416/10,000 live births) and Tuzla Canton (122 cases with a rate of 356/10,000 live births). The most common congenital malformations are heart defects, cleft lip and palate, musculoskeletal deformities and Down syndrome. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) in 2020, 135 children under the age of 5 died, among which 18 children (13.3%) died from congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Congenital malformations can lead to chronic diseases and disabilities, death of infants and children up to five years of age. Congenital malformations represent a significant public health problem, given that they lead to disability, incapacity and pressure on the health system, as well as the problem of social integration of patients. Key messages • The registered rate of congenital malformations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is 261/per 10,000 live births. • Congenital malformations can lead to chronic diseases and disabilities, death of infants and children up to five years of age.

The review and analysis of a timeline work and stoppage/failure of transportational complex on separation in SC coal mine „Gračanica“ LLC Gornji Vakuf – Uskoplje has been given in this work. The work is based on collecting and analysing data. Collecting data lasted for one year and it is analysed and shown in this work. Rightfully determined the state of work and stoppage/failure, allows precautions and choice of strategy for the next period. Conclusions about which stoppage/failure affected the stoppage of transportational system and separation in full are derived from the research, and based on those conclusions, suggestions about activities which would minimize these stoppages on acceptable value are given. Key words: mine, coal, effective work, stoppage, failure, transportational complex, separation, belt conveyor, scraper.

Due to properties as flammability, explosiveness, suffocation (decreased oxygen content), toxicity (incomplete combustion), large lengths of gas pipelines, risk of leakage, etc., natural gas is media that requires special care during transport and use. There are many examples in the world where unprofessional and negligent use of gas led to unimaginable and tragic consequences with human casualties and huge material damages. This paper analyzes management of accidental situations at the Sarajevo Canton gas system. Problematic aspects of management will be presented through two case studies instead of presenting idealized models that integrate all structures responsible for dealing with such accidental situations. The methodological approach in this paper is presented through selection of accidents on gas network that had a significant impact and required a coordinated response from the competent services. The goal is to consider possibilities of improving technical measures by installing valves with remote control, which would raise safety to a higher level. With this step forward in technical terms, it would be possible to close the valve on gas system in the shortest period of time by controlling it from the dispatch center, which would stop the uncontrolled gas release. The paper will suggest locations where it would be optimal to install valves with remote control, in order to close the necessary section, and at the same time, the least number of consumers would have a gas supply interruption. Key words: gas system, accident, technical measures

Biflavonoids are dimeric forms of flavonoids that have recently gained importance as an effective new scaffold for drug discovery. In particular, 3′-8″-biflavones exhibit antiviral and antimicrobial activity and are promising molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases as well as cancer therapies. In the present study, we directly compared 3′-8″-biflavones (amentoflavone, bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, and sciadopitysin) and their monomeric subunits (apigenin, genkwanin, and acacetin) and evaluated their radical scavenging activity (with DPPH), antifungal activity against mycotoxigenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium verticillioides), and inhibitory activity on enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase). All the tested compounds showed weak radical scavenging activity, while antifungal activity strongly depended on the tested concentration and fungal species. Biflavonoids, especially ginkgetin and isoginkgetin, proved to be potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, whereas monomeric flavonoids showed higher tyrosinase inhibitory activity than the tested 3′-8″-biflavones. Amentoflavone proved to be a potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitor, and in general, 3′-8″-biflavones showed a stronger inhibitory potential on these enzymes than their monomeric subunits. Thus, we can conclude that 3′-8″-dimerization enhanced acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase activities, but the activity also depends on the number of hydroxyl and methoxy groups in the structure of the compound.

Simple Summary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive type of skin neuroendocrine cancer that frequently recurs and metastasizes within a relatively short period. Despite rapid growth and characteristic skin color, MCC often goes undiagnosed in its early stage. Therefore, therapy is often initiated at the advanced stage, and selecting appropriate therapeutic interventions is critical. The emergence of novel immunotherapeutic agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), presents a promising treatment option for advanced MCC. Several biomarkers, such as PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI), showed significant potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment with ICI. Despite their predictive value, each has demonstrated limited value in MCC over recent years. Abstract Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is primarily a disease of the elderly Caucasian, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) treatment has shown promising results in MCC patients. Although ~34% of MCC patients are expected to exhibit at least one of the predictive biomarkers (PD-L1, high tumor mutational burden/TMB-H/, and microsatellite instability), their clinical significance in MCC is not fully understood. PD-L1 expression has been variably described in MCC, but its predictive value has not been established yet. Our literature survey indicates conflicting results regarding the predictive value of TMB in ICI therapy for MCC. Avelumab therapy has shown promising results in Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-negative MCC patients with TMB-H, while pembrolizumab therapy has shown better response in patients with low TMB. A study evaluating neoadjuvant nivolumab therapy found no significant difference in treatment response between the tumor etiologies and TMB levels. In addition to ICI therapy, other treatments that induce apoptosis, such as milademetan, have demonstrated positive responses in MCPyV-positive MCC, with few somatic mutations and wild-type TP53. This review summarizes current knowledge and discusses emerging and potentially predictive biomarkers for MCC therapy with ICI.

Simple Summary Our study centers on refining the diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), a unique subtype with distinct therapeutic implications compared to other lung cancers. Our primary goal is the identification of specific differentially expressed proteins in SCLC as opposed to healthy lung tissue. Additionally, we aim to discern the protein expression of SCLC from large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), a closely related entity. This research has the potential to enhance our understanding of these intricate lung cancers, potentially transforming the landscape of detection and tailored treatment strategies. Abstract The accurate diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is crucial, as treatment strategies differ from those of other lung cancers. This systematic review aims to identify proteins differentially expressed in SCLC compared to normal lung tissue, evaluating their potential utility in diagnosing and prognosing the disease. Additionally, the study identifies proteins differentially expressed between SCLC and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), aiming to discover biomarkers distinguishing between these two subtypes of neuroendocrine lung cancers. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Studies reporting proteomics information and confirming SCLC and/or LCNEC through histopathological and/or cytopathological examination were included, while review articles, non-original articles, and studies based on animal samples or cell lines were excluded. The initial search yielded 1705 articles, and after deduplication and screening, 16 articles were deemed eligible. These studies revealed 117 unique proteins significantly differentially expressed in SCLC compared to normal lung tissue, along with 37 unique proteins differentially expressed between SCLC and LCNEC. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of proteomics technology in identifying novel biomarkers for diagnosing SCLC, predicting its prognosis, and distinguishing it from LCNEC.

The material extrusion fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique has become a widely used technique that enables the production of complex parts for various applications. To overcome limitations of PLA material such as low impact toughness, commercially available materials such as UltiMaker Tough PLA were produced to improve the parent PLA material that can be widely applied in many engineering applications. In this study, 3D-printed parts (test specimens) considering six different printing parameters (i.e., layer height, wall thickness, infill density, build plate temperature, printing speed, and printing temperature) are experimentally investigated to understand their impact on the mechanical properties of Tough PLA material. Three different standardized tests of tensile, flexural, and compressive properties were conducted to determine the maximum force and Young’s modulus. These six properties were used as responses in a design of experiment, definitive screening design (DSD), to build six regression models. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to evaluate the effects of each of the six printing parameters on Tough PLA mechanical properties. It is shown that all regression models are statistically significant (p<0.05) with high values of adjusted and predicted R2. Conducted confirmation tests resulted in low relative errors between experimental and predicted data, indicating that the developed models are adequately accurate and reliable for the prediction of tensile, flexural, and compressive properties of Tough PLA material.